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May 23, 2013

The DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES and the ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES and the MINISTRY OF DEFENCE OF NEW ZEALAND and the NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE (hereinafter referred to as the “Participants”);

DESIRING to further strengthen and develop bilateral relations by promoting and increasing defense cooperation between them;

RECALLING that the Philippines and New Zealand share many common interests in international defense and security;

ACKNOWLEDGING the mutual benefits to be derived from mutual cooperation in defense;

CONSIDERING that the enhancement of the defense relationship between the Participants will be instrumental in promoting mutual understanding and trust between them, as well as in contributing to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region;

PURSUANT to the prevailing laws and regulations as well as policies of their respective countries:

HAVE ENTERED INTO THIS MEMORANDUM OF ARRANGEMENT:

PARAGRAPH 1
  OBJECTIVE

This Memorandum of Arrangement will provide a framework for cooperation between the Participants in the field of defense on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit.

PARAGRAPH 2
  SCOPE OF COOPERATION

The Participants will conduct the following defense cooperation activities subject to their respective laws and regulations: 

1. High-Level Exchanges     
   1. Bilateral meetings between their Defense Ministers; and     
   2. Regular dialogue between senior defense and armed forces officials.   
2. Education and Capacity Building
3. Training Activities and Exercises;
4. Information Exchanges;
5. Multilateral Cooperation;     
   1. ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus); and     
   2. ASEAN Regional Forum. 
6. Any other activities as may be mutually decided.

PARAGRAPH 3
  IMPLEMENTATION

 
1.   The Participants entrust the implementation of this Memorandum of Arrangement to their respective agencies/offices.
 
2. To implement this Memorandum of Arrangement, the Participants will prepare plans, programs or cooperative activities and explore new forms and areas of cooperation.
 
3. All measures of cooperation and exchanges mentioned in this Memorandum of Arrangement are subject to the legal and budgetary constraints of each Participant.

PARAGRAPH 4
  CONFIDENTIALITY

 
1. Subject to their respective laws and regulations, the Participants will protect classified information exchanged between them pursuant to this Memorandum of Arrangement.
 
2. Any information arising out of or obtained under this Memorandum of Arrangement will not be disclosed to any third party without the prior written approval of the other Participant.
 
3. The handling of classified information and material exchanged or arising out of this Memorandum of Arrangement will be governed by specific arrangements between the Participants, on a case-by-case basis.

PARAGRAPH 5
  CONSULTATION

 
1. The Participants will immediately consult with each other to resolve any differences in the interpretation of this Memorandum of Arrangement or in the implementation of plans, programs or activities under this Memorandum of Arrangement.
 
2. The Participants will not refer such differences to any third party or tribunal.

PARAGRAPH 6
  AMENDMENTS

Any amendment to this Memorandum of Arrangement may be done by mutual written consent. Such amendment will become effective in accordance with Paragraph 7 (1).

PARAGRAPH 7
  EFFECTIVITY, VALIDITY AND TERMINATION

 
1. This Memorandum of Arrangement will become effective on the date of the last written notification by the Participants, through diplomatic channels, indicating that their domestic requirements for its effectivity have been completed.
 
2. This Memorandum of Arrangement will remain in effect until one Participant notifies the other in writing, through diplomatic channels, of its intention to suspend or terminate this Memorandum of Arrangement, at least ninety (90) days prior to the intended date of termination.
 
3. The termination of this Memorandum of Arrangement will not affect the implementation of any existing activities or projects, unless both Participants mutually decided otherwise.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto by their respective Governments, have signed this Arrangement.

Signed in Wellington, New Zealand on the 23rd day of October in the year 2012 in two (2) copies in the English language.

Entry into Force: May 23, 2013